Nextlink BlueSpoon AX2 Bluetooth Headset Review

As the Bluetooth headsets are the most popular wireless accessories used with phones, we've already paid some attention to them, but as most of you have noticed a common drawback is the “robot-like” look a person have using one of these. This is the reason, some manufacturers have developed ultra-small models that lack the big size and boom microphones, bringing those gadgets' design to next level. NextLink series are headsets that always have been of the small ones, and the AX2 is not exception.

The Package contents:

• AX2 Headset
• Couple of earpieces with soft springs
• Li-Ion rechargeable battery
• Charger
• USB cable/charger
• Neck carrying strap
• User manual

An interesting extra is that the battery is Coin Cell type user-exchangeable one and so can be replaced by the user. You may also get a spare battery, but unfortunately won't be able to charge it at the same time. The 5G came with charger for a couple of batteries which was a wise decision we would like to see also here. A good option is the USB cable for charging, as you can get power from mobile computer without any other power source.

The two earpieces are of the same size, with the second being an extra one if you happen to loose or brake yours. The soft springs are coming in extra long size, and are supposed to be cut by the user to fit precisely and to allow for more accurate positioning of the headset in the ear, depending on the customer's ear size and preferences.

For carrying the headset when not over the ear, the box brings neck-carrying strap in it. It connects to the miniUSB port which allows for secure and solid tie, and you wouldn't worry about losing the precious headset accidentally. Alhtough the strap is plain and not luxurious, it gives reliable wearing.

The AX2 is one of the smallest headsets that are commercially available nowadays. It can be compared with other tiny models like the JX10 from Jabra and BH800 from Nokia. The colors used are black for the body and silver for the buttons. All of the edges are curved and the form is narrower at the front side resembling a spoon, after which is the name of the device: “Bluespoon AX2”.

BH800-JX10-AX2-H700	BH800-JX10-AX2-H700	AX2 next to Jabra BT250

The whole operation is done via three keys: you have a couple of silver volume keys at the top and bottom, symmetrically set around the horizontal axis. They are raised from the surface and moving your finger from back to the front part, you will feel them, and pressing them returns robust tactile feedback.
The front side houses a small circular transparent key that is the Talk button. Below it is two-color LED (red and blue), which is so powerful that may even be annoying when it's dark. Unfortunately it can't be turned off, unlike the Logitech Traveller that featured “Sleep Mode”.

On the back of the device is the miniUSB port used for connecting with the charger or the USB cable. As we've already mentioned, it also connects to the Neck carrying strap for secure carrying. Next to it is the battery door that slides out to replace the coin cell.

MDA miniUSB and AX2 miniUSB

In the inner piece, which touches the face, is situated the earpiece. The rubber piece and soft spring can be easily rotated in order to adjust it to the user's ears.

One of its main pros is the small dimensions and WEIGHT

Functionality:

Similar to most other modern Bluetooth headsets, pairing the AX2 is easy job, even without reading the manual coming with it (which by the way is very nicely done). While the device is off, holding the Talk key for a few seconds will put the AX2 in pairing-mode, which is indicated by flashing of the key in blue-to-red. The phone will find it as “Bluespoon AX2” and after entering the default key (0000) the pairing is over.
* an interesting fact is that even when was not in pairing mode, our unit was discoverable by other devices.

When an incoming call is received, the AX2 will notify you with its own ringtone played in the earpiece if you are not using the headset profile but the hands-free one. Unfortunately it is very low and in noisy environment you may miss it, if your phone is not near you to alert you with its ringer and vibration. This can be avoided with the Headset profile, which will bring you the phone's ringtone.
Pressing the Talk key will answer the incoming call, while holding it for a couple of seconds and releasing it will reject the call.

Once in a call, holding down both the volume up and down keys for about three seconds will mute your microphone, which can be deactivated by the same combination of keys pressed for another four seconds.

Pressing the Talk key in stand-by mode will bring the voice recognition of your phone up. You can then use voice commands/dialing (depending on your phone) to operate it, but it is recommended to have recorded the voice tags via the exact headset for proper recognition, unless your phone supports speaker-independent control of its menus.

Holding down the Volume Down key for four seconds will recall the last dial number. This will be indicated by a simple Beep sound.

Performance:

The AX2 performance was good also when it comes to calling: its volume is high enough for even noisy environment, which is also due to the in-ear design of the soft rubber ear-piece. The incoming voices sounded realistic and clear with adequate power, but the sound volume was average on the other side. They still heard us clear and we were happy that neither of the party was disturbed by noise in the sound.

Although it doesn't feature DSP or other noise-reducing system, we tested the AX2 in artificial windy environment. It performed well, sharing the same results as other headsets from the very-small class, but it couldn't be compared to a headset with system for reducing the noise (including wind sound). Unfortunately, this means that while walking outdoor or in places with wind, the AX2 will be unusable, as people won't be able to understand you, deafened by the wind noise.

Noise Test

In range test it performed reasonably well compared to other small models, and so was the battery performance – 6 hours of continues talk time, which is 25% less than the 8 hours claimed by the manufacturer

Comfort:

The AX2 is designed for single-handed usage. For installation, the earpiece should be inserted in the ear, and the soft spring must be bent to take its position in your ear. Once properly installed, it sits solidly in the ear and the chance to fall from there is minimal. Even as it lacks any kind of ear-hook, we didn't experience any bias while it was put on our ears.

Unlike most other headsets, the AX2 can be worn for hours without feeling any discomfort. It sits comfortably in the ear and you can even forget it is there – it won't move or distract you in any way.

Thanks to the small size and the typical “spoon” form narrower at its front part, the Bluespoon AX2 won't turn you into a robot while you are wearing it – it sits gently over your ear and looks elegantly, stylish, as a good complement to businessmen's look, as it is done in rather serious black color. AX2's only drawback is the blue blinking light in the dark, which is just too bright.

Conclusion:

The AX2 is an incredible accessory: it's put on easy, stays solidly and comfortably, looks good, and brings good sound! Thanks to the small dimension and weight, and stylish look, you won't feel tired wearing it or feel silly with a big boom next to your face. When we count good sound quality and steady construction, the AX2 is one of the best in its category.